Russian President Vladimir Putin told President Rodrigo Duterte during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Valdai International Discussion Club in Sochi on October 3 that Russia is interested in joint projects for peaceful use of nuclear energy, among others.

“Russian companies are willing to increase the export of energy, aircraft, motor transport and special vehicles to the Philippines,” Putin said.

“We are interested in promoting industrial cooperation and joint projects in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, space exploration and digital technology,” he noted.

The Russian leader also thanked President Duterte for his personal contribution that led to increase of political and economic interaction between Philippines and Russia.

“Our trade has doubled, or more precisely, it increased by 102 percent to over $1.2 billion in 2018. Russian exports to your country have increased fourfold,” Putin said.